Discussion Topic

All slabs have holds, it's just about understanding the nuances of the rock. Is a depression a hold, is the change of texture a hold or is that crystal that you can only see if you are not overcome by fear a hold?

Slab climbing is at a minimum 50% mental and is the great equalizer for those of us that have not been blessed with genetic strength.

Falling safely is the other often undeveloped skill for succeeding on slabs. Indoor climbing routes teach safe falling techniques, but it is counter intuitive to run downhill on a runout slab pitch, so most people drag their hands, feet and body parts as a protective impulse.

Like all specialized aspects of climbing, slab climbing has a learning curve that requires commitment to the craft and hours of experience. After years of hiatus to that style of movement, Iíve rediscovered that heady thrill with a bunch of grizzled old hardcore locals at Joshua Tree. Ye-Ha!

Mrs. l.e.f.h. (pictured on Parkline) is a huge fan of slab because she can balance on the tiniest crystals of quartz, so I have an inordinate body of experience on Cookie Sheet/Parkline/Glacier Point Apron relative to how long I've been climbing, and we'll be adding some Tuolumne dome to that list in a couple weeks. I prefer face climbing (more upper body strength, less princess toes), so I've been stealthily increasing the angles of climbs we tackle.

Slab climbing. just like roofing but you don't get paied;) BTW i do a ton of slab climbing and am fairly good at it aparently???? according to my spurt climbing friends anything less than 90degrees is slab....